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Dearest!
The estate has a guest! Oh, she is most peculiar but seems well-mannered enough. I say ‘enough’ as she refuses to indulge much about her background. And after Miss Laura’s father offered her such wonderful accommodations! The least she could do is tell us her home country – obviously somewhere crude. The woman, Miss Carmilla – she refuses to let me refer to her by her surname, as she refuses to inform me of her surname – has taken a liking to Miss Laura. Oh, I am so glad Miss Laura finally has a companion, as she has been so lonely. Hopefully, she can teach Miss Carmilla some manners…
Dearest,
Miss Carmilla has made quite a stir. Though she is usually quite placid, Miss Carmilla is susceptible to sudden, quick fits of anger. Her encounter with the traveling merchant…Oh, I feel so terrible for him. And such nice music he plays, too! Dearest, this is reminding me of something Miss Laura told me offhandedly. She said that Miss Carmilla disdains funeral hymns. Can you imagine! And oh, that poor villager whose funeral it was. William tells me he knew the woman – she came into his parents’ shop often. I pray William stays safe! Whether plague or not, nothing good comes from the dead. Why Miss Laura’s father refuses to grant William – who is quite frankly the favorite delivery boy of the estate – asylum here, I do not know. I dread to think of something happening to him…
And the stories Lukas tells to Grace! That boy will scare her to death! I cannot understand her fascination with him. His stories lately are growing more concerning. His rumors of Miss Carmilla at early morning hours are scandalous, no matter how-
I should not write that.
Dearest,
It seems Miss Carmilla is all I write about now. Between hers and Miss Laura’s sudden, close relationship to this morning’s events. How she slipped by everyone, I will never know.
Later…
Oh, Dearest, I am such a flurry of emotions. I do not know where to start…
This afternoon, William found me. His hair was unkempt, his honey eyes frantic, and his clothing was disheveled and covered in dirt. He arrived so suddenly, I jumped in startlement. I asked him what had happened, and he seemed so confused. I referred to his appearance, and he quickly explained that his horse collapsed on his way here and that he ran the rest. Through the woods! I asked why he was in such a rush. He floundered, looking utterly shocked and terrified. I figured the best course of action was to calm him down before interrogating him further. I brought him into the kitchen, making him tea and stealing a pastry for him – I pray Miss Claudia does not notice.
Once he was calm and had his fill, William started his story. He was out in the alley next to his parents’ shop during the night when he saw someone – he saw her. I asked who, but he could not tell me. I urged him to continue, which he did, detailing how he was concerned for her, nearly calling out to offer help, when another person arrived. William assumed they were lovers as the woman threw her arms around the other one and put her face on their bosom, resting there. However, once the newer figure crumpled to the ground, blood gleaming from the woman’s mouth, William reeled back and stumbled inside. William then told me, “I think I was in shock. I do not believe in superstitions and all that, but I had such a horrible feeling after seeing that act. It was almost like a dream… Please, Miss Lydia, promise me you will stay safe.” Well, with how William looked at me, how could I do anything but agree? I promised I would be cautious around others. He sighed and mumbled, “Good.” I then asked if he was certain of what he saw or if he knew the woman, but William seemed dazed. I decided to let him rest, refilling his tea.
Just then, Miss Laura and Miss Carmilla walked by outside, seemingly enjoying the gardens together. Upon seeing them, William turned deathly pale, and I took his hand out of concern, asking what the matter was. William looked at me, confusion and fear were on his face. He told me Miss Carmilla looked like the woman he saw. I had to laugh at that, and I told William that Miss Carmilla had been locked in her room since late last night and that no carriages have gone into the village lately. William seemed to relax at my words, but now, I am questioning. Miss Carmilla was missing from her room. And if any of Lukas’ rumors hold true…
I shudder to think. Could Grandmama’s stories be true?